A slap with a wet noodle: Credit for this evocative image goes to Bloomberg op ed editor Bobby Ghosh, who used it to describe President Joe Biden’s decision to withhold part of the US’ military aid to Egypt in light of human rights abuses. But Egypt has been taking steps towards improving human rights, the New York Times writes, with the country announcing its first national human rights strategy just last week. Amnesty International, meanwhile, published another report last week on the treatment of human rights activists, the AP reports.

Also making headlines:

• High-speed rail line gets foreign press nod: Egypt’s high speed electric rail line — the first stage of which will connect Ain Soknha to Marsa Matrouh — could expand Egypt’s scope for land transport, creating a “Suez Canal” on tracks. (CNN)
• As do other mega projects: The New administrative capital, the Suez Canal expansion, and the electric rail all got a mention in this slideshow of Egypt’s recent infrastructure endeavours (CNN).